Medals

French President Vincent Auriol (right) presenting Eleanor Roosevelt (second from right) with a medal during his visit to the Roosevelt estate at Hyde Park, New York. Standing on the left is Michelle (Mrs. Vincent) Auriol. Others are unidentified.

Eleanor Roosevelt with French President Vincent Auriol during a visit to the Roosevelt estate at Hyde Park, New York. He has just presented Mrs. Roosevelt with a medal. From left to right: Michelle (Mrs. Vincent) Auriol, Mrs. Roosevelt, President Auriol, Helle (Mrs. Henri) Bonnet, and Secretary of the Interior Oscar Chapman.

Album of silver medallions entitled "The First Ladies of the United States" (Cover only; see 2009-1722 for contents.) The album reads: "Presented by the Franklin Mint to Bess Truman on behalf of the White House Historical Association." (See also photo 72-3544.) From: Truman Home

Head-and-shoulder portraits of the first ladies of the United States on silver medallions in an album entitled" The First Ladies of the United States" (see 2009-1721 for cover) presented by the Franklin Mint to Bess Truman on behalf of the White House Historical Association. (See also photo 72-3544.) From: Truman Home.

President Harry S. Truman (seated, left) at his desk in the Oval Office, receiving a gold commemorative medal of the National Capital Sesquicentennial Commission from Nellie Tayloe Ross, Director of the U.S. Mint (seated, right). Also present are (left to right) Joseph C. McGarraghy, Chairman of the Commission; Carter Barron, Executive Vice Chairman; and Paul Massman, Sesquicentennial Manager.

President Harry S. Truman (seated, left) at his desk in the Oval Office, receiving a gold commemorative medal of the National Capital Sesquicentennial Commission from Nellie Tayloe Ross, Director of the U.S. Mint (seated, right). Also present are (left to right) Joseph C. McGarraghy, Chairman of the Commission; Carter Barron, Executive Vice Chairman; and Paul Massman, Sesquicentennial Manager.

Vice-President Alben Barkley (second from right) receiving medals from French Ambassador to the United States Henri Bonnet (foreground, left). The medals were presented during a ceremony giving the United States a boxcar, part of the "Merci Train." The train was a gift from France to the United States in recognition of U.S. aid to France after World War II. In the background on the left is Senator Tom Connally. On the right is Senator Arthur Vandenberg. All others are unidentified.

From left to right: President Harry S. Truman, General George C. Marshall, Secretary of State James F. Byrnes, and General Henry "Hap" Arnold after President Truman awarded Byrnes a Distinguished Service Medal.

Rear Admiral Sidney W. Souers, USNR, at right, receives the Legion of Merit at a ceremony at the Navy Department. Assistant Secretary of the Navy John L. Sullivan, left, makes the presentation for President Truman. The photograph is signed "To Admiral W. Souers, with kind regards and very best wishes John L. Sullivan."

President Truman awards the Distinguished Service Medal to Sidney W. Souers for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States, July 1944 to November 1952. On the verso of the photographed is attached an autographed card reading, "To my good friend Sidney Souers with many thanks and great appreciation of his efficient service Harry S. Truman White House, Dec. 1, 1952." From: Sidney W. Souers Papers.